Essential Gear You Actually Need to Pack for Your Next Outdoorsy Trip

Far too many of us spend the majority of our days glued to our screens indoors—and travel offers the perfect opportunity to try on new habits like getting outside and exploring the nature that surrounds us, all in a new, exciting environment. 

For travelers who are novices to building outdoor experiences like hiking, biking, or kayaking into their trip itineraries, the prospect of doing so can be overwhelming. This is particularly true because the outdoor industry is always spinning up new, expensive gear that might not be affordable or accessible to the average traveler.

Enter Ron Griswell. The North Carolina-based outdoorist, environmentalist, and activist who goes by The Outdoorsy Friend for his Instagram audience of tens of thousands is working to get more people who haven’t traditionally felt as welcomed by the outdoor industry—particularly Black folks—out into nature. This mission is central to his work with organizations like Boyz N the Wood and HBCUs Outside, both of which Griswell helped found.

While it’s important to be appropriately prepared for any outdoor adventure, especially while traveling away from home, Griswell tells Only in Your State he recommends that folks who are just starting out pursuing these types of experiences “start with what you have.”

“More than likely you have a pair of shoes, great. That’s the first step,” he says. “You have something to walk or hike in. You also have some sort of hoodie and pants that will be completely functional to take your first hike in. I’m sure you have water bottles and a backpack.”

After you get out there, Griswell notes you may notice where your existing equipment is holding you back when you head out on your adventures. At that point, you can seek out the new—or even used or borrowed—gear to improve your experience. But there’s no need, he says, to spend a bunch of money on pricey gear when just getting started out with your outdoor adventuring. 

“This gear isn’t necessarily cheap and it gets really daunting when people see that and think they have to partake in buying all these things to be an ‘outdoorsy person,’” Griswell says. “You don’t need all that to start getting outdoors.”

Still, Griswell admits that investing in some high-quality basic gear can make a big difference for any outdoorsy traveler getting out there on their next trip. In a recent interview, Griswell shares his picks for the three most essential items that outdoorsy types should be packing for their next trip with Only in Your State.

Wool Socks

While you might think that having the right shoes is the biggest factor separating an invigorating hike from a miserable one, Griswell says a great pair of socks is the biggest game-changer on trails. He is specifically an advocate for wool socks from brands like Smartwool or Darn Tough.

“They add a level of comfort to whatever you’re doing,” he says. “If you’re hiking or relaxing in a park area, they’re amazing. I can’t even go back to cotton socks.”

While wool socks are pricier than your average cotton socks often sold in three- or six-packs at big box stores, Griswell notes that wool socks will typically hold up better over time, so you won’t need to purchase as many pairs. Beyond the added comfort, wool socks also offer the perks of being both anti-microbial and odor-resistant.

Sunscreen

Another piece of outdoor “gear” that Griswell also says is often overlooked by folks who are just starting out is a high-quality sunscreen. He typically looks for an SPF of at least 50 for the most protection from getting a sunburn. 

“Some people don’t even think about it,” Griswell says. “Let’s take care of ourselves while we’re getting outside. It helps you dive deeper into the wellness aspect of tapping into nature.” 

Some high-rated options for SPF 50 sunscreens include the reef-safe Thrive BodyShield 50, Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen, and Badger Adventure Mineral Sunscreen.

Wipes

Wipes are “absolutely essential” for most types of outdoor adventuring in Griswell’s book. He considers them to be both functional and versatile for many types of outdoor experiences.  

“Whether you’re in a park and there’s pit toilets or you’re camping in the backcountry, you can use them on your face or your body and wipes just take the level up,” he says.

Of course, Griswell notes, it’s important for wipes users to remember to properly dispose of them once they are ready to be discarded, but he considers the minor inconvenience of having to lug your used wipes to the nearest trash bin worth it as a trade-off for all their benefits.

Some popular brands of wipes for the outdoors include Sea to Summit’s Wilderness Wipes, Defense body wipes, and Duke Cannon’s Cold Shower cooling field towels.

This article is part of our Known Traveler series where we highlight creators who share inspiring travel and lifestyle content. Check out the full edition for Eco Explorers.